Terrorist groups - home based:
Ansar al-Islam (AAI):
aim(s): expel western interests from Iraq and, ultimately, establish an independent Iraqi state operating according to its interpretation of sharia
area(s) of operation: headquartered in northern Iraq with its largest presence in Kirkuk, Tikrit, and Mosul; active in the western and central regions of the country
note: majority of members are Iraqi Kurds or Iraqi Arabs who are Sunni Muslim
(April 2018)
Jaysh Rijal al-Tariq al-Naqshabandi (JRTN):
aim(s): end external influence in Iraq and, ultimately, overthrow the Government of Iraq to install a secular Ba'athist state within the internationally recognized borders of Iraq
area(s) of operation: attacks separatist Kurdish groups, Iraqi Government Military forces and facilities, and foreign military personnel
(April 2018)
Kata'ib Hizballah (KH):
aim(s): counter US influence and, ultimately, overthrow the Iraqi Government to install a government based on Shia Muslim laws and precepts
area(s) of operation: headquartered in the Shia Muslim areas of Baghdad, with fighters active in Ninawa, Al Anbar, and Babil governorates
(April 2018)
Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK):
aim(s): advance Kurdish autonomy and security goals in Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria
area(s) of operation: operational in the north and east, with its stronghold in the Qandil Mountains; majority of members inside Iraq are Iraqi, Turkish, and Iranian Kurds, along with Kurds from Syria
(April 2018)
Terrorist groups - foreign based:
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS):
aim(s): replace the world order with a global Islamic state based in Iraq and Syria; expand its branches and networks in other countries; rule according to ISIS's strict interpretation of Islamic law
area(s) of operation: operational in the rural and desert areas of central and northern Iraq, primarily within and near Sunni populations, with some presence in major population areas
(April 2018)
